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Grow International Herbs In Pots

Grow herbs from around the globe to enjoy fragrant dishes from a different country every day

Words: Lee Dashiell Main Pictures: Geoff Beck

Having pots of plentiful herbs on hand helps you stay creative in the kitchen

All across the world people have been cooking with herbs for thousands of years, creating distinctive local dishes and recipes to be handed down through generations.

Growing herbs in the garden is an easy way to bring these exotic flavours and methods into your own kitchen.

Herbs in pots add an attractive feature to a garden, and they are very easy to grow. Using quality potting mix that contains water-saving crystals, wetting agents and fertiliser will almost guarantee success.

Planting herbs in pots means you can control the conditions in which they grow, moving them into direct sun in the cooler months and dappled shade in warmer weather.

They are also ideal for growing on balconies, patios or windowsills.

Choose the pots

Look at the overall style of your yard and select pots to match. Choose between sleek and modern, country rustic or a Mediterranean style.

Terracotta pots suit most garden styles, but rough timber crates lined with plastic, or even an old wheelbarrow can work well. Just ensure there is adequate drainage.

Select the herbs

Next you need to decide what you want to grow in your herb garden.

The ideal grouping for each pot should include a tall feature plant, small bushy plants and a trailing herb to soften the edges.

Herbs need about six hours of sunlight a day to help them thrive and resist disease. Pots dry out quickly so they have to be watered more often.

A diluted liquid fertiliser applied weekly will help the plants flourish. And when you cut your herbs from the pot, that will encourage more abundant, bushy growth.

Potting by cuisine

MOROCCO Saffron, mint, paprika, turmeric and cinnamon.

VIETNAM Lemongrass, lime, mint, coriander and betel leaf.

MEXICO Chillies, coriander, garlic chives and oregano.

INDONESIA Galangal, star anise, caraway, clove and tamarind.

INDIAMint, cumin, coriander, curry and cardamom.

Spotlight: Thai cuisine

A classic Thai dish contains spicy, sweet, sour and savoury flavours, combining ingredients such as chilli, palm sugar, lime juice and fish sauce for the perfect balance of flavours. Grow herbs such as chilli, Thai basil, coriander and lemongrass to cultivate the taste of Thai food in your own backyard.

Grow herbs such as chilli, Thai basil, coriander and lemongrass to cultivate the taste of Thai food in your own backyard